TALKING LIKE AN AMBASSADOR

AMBASSADORS AND THEIR APPROACH: THINKING THROUGH CONVERSATIONS

• Give yourself grace when you share your faith. We often fear evangelism because there are so many ways to go wrong. We can flub the message. We can keep silent when we need to speak. We can say things that later we think were stupid. But it’s good to remind ourselves that even our mistakes can help us become a better ambassador.
• Meet people where they are.
• Look for open doors. A culture of evangelism is really helpful here. When church members share about the open doors they have seen around them, other members might hear opportunities with which to get involved.
• Be compassionate and maintain a tender heart toward others. Be careful to remember that you are a sinner. Humility commends the gospel.
• Remember that we have the answers to life’s biggest questions. That’s something you can offer. When the reality of life pierces through the superficial barriers that keep people from God, that’s where you can shine the light of the gospel. Don’t hide it under a basket.
• Focus on people’s separation from God, not on being morally upright.
• Be intentional in your conversation. Plan out what you will say. This helps you to say things that are helpful, and not say things that are awkward or offensive.
• Acknowledge what we know and what we don’t.
• It’s good (though not required) to ask permission to share the message of the gospel.
• Ask lots of questions. Be a good listener.
• Finally, if you anticipate a certain issue in a person’s life, it’s good to be acquainted with it by reading a book or talking with someone who knows about the issue.

AMBASSADORS MUST BE BOLD AND CLEAR

AMBASSADORS MUST DELIVER THE MESSAGE AND TRUST CHRIST FOR THE RESPONSE

AMBASSADORS MUST NOT LOSE HEART

Ten Practical Suggestions (Paul McDonald)

1. Use gospel bites (See John Dickson’s The Best Kept Secret of Christian Mission)
2. Do One-to-One Bible reading with an unbeliever (See David Helm’s One to One)
3. Practice hospitality. Have people in your home; or a place they’d be comfortable)
4. Share the gospel at your church gatherings
5. Ask lots of questions:

• How was your weekend?
• Are you a Christian?
• What do you think of Jesus?
• What do you believe?
• Did you used to believe in God? What lead you to change your beliefs?
• Why do you believe what you believe?
• What is the ultimate authority for your beliefs? And why?
• What? Why? How? When? Who?

1. Don’t speak too long at any one time.
2. Share the overall story of the Bible (Gen-Rev); this helps people make sense of Jesus.
3. Be honest.
4. Be yourself. 
5. Share Scripture (Use a little Bible, your phone, or from Scripture memorization)